
Glass r 4-^ 

Book^ J^, ^ /^ ^ 



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SERMON, ^^ 

• PREACHED AT ALSTEAD, 



ON THE 



srmsT gA:iM'ff as m sM^AW^i siisf 



WITH 



OF THE TOWN. 



BY SETH S. ARNOLD, A. M. 

Pastor of the 1st Congregational Church and Society : 
It iiting ten years since his ordination. 



AliSTHAHf ir. H. 

PUBLISHED BY NEWTON AND TUFTS. 

1826. 






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SZMZiOXT ZDX:, PllINTER, VVinileor, Vermtnt. 






TO THE 
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY IN ALSTEAD, 
AND THE RISING GENERATION, 

THE FOLLOWING DISCOURSE 

AND HISTORICAL SKETCHES 

ARE AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED 
BY THEIR PASTOR, 

S. S. A. 



PREFACE. 



After the writer undertook to collect materials for these historical sketches, 
he found it more difficult than he expected, to obtain information on which 
reliance could be placed. 

In many instances traditional accounts did not agree. In such cases he 
has taken those facts, which appeared to him most clearly substantiated. 
The labour of collecting and writing has necessarily occupied considerable 
time. He found, also, that circumstances unthought of, were occasionally 
coming to light ; and on these accounts he felt the more willing to delay the 
publication, although some of his friends, he had reason to fear, would grow 
impatient. 

Still there may be errours. Some things may be omitted of more iraportanc* 
than others which are inserted. And, although he may have failed to satis- 
fy the minds of many, he has endeavoured to exercise his best judgment, both 
in the selection and arrangement of matter; and with a desire, that it may be 
useful, the whole is humbly submitted, by 

The Author. 



siinicon. 



Psalm Ixxiv. 4. We will not hide them from their child- 
ren, shelving to the generation to co7ne, the praises of 
the' Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful ivorks, 
that he hath done. 

Formerly, the history of God's works and providence 
was preserved chiefly, by oral communications from fa- 
ther to son, and from one generation to another. Even 
with the present improvement and copiousness of lan- 
guage, and the facilities of writing and printing, we are 
much indebted to memory and tradition for an acquaint- 
ance with the dealings of God towards particular socie* 
ties, families and individuals. 

With our advantages, however, we are under pecul- 
iar obligations to observe the spirit of the text — "iAew- 
ino- to the geiieration to come, the praises of the Lord, and- 
his wonderful works, that he hath done.^'' 

Perhaps there are no communications, to which we 
listen with so much interest and attention, as those that 
relate the deeds and circumstances of our ancestors. 
The captivated child will fondly hang upon the hps of 
his parent, nor deem the hours too slow, to hear the sto- 
ry of other times ; to hear recounted the trials, hard- 
ships, perils, and escapes of early days ; the oppression 
and wonderful deliverance of a nation ; and the rise and 
progress of her glory. The first settlement of his up.tive 
spot; the efforts made for cultivation and improvement: 



the difficulties that were encountered ; the advancement 
that succeeded ; the patience and fortitude that were 
exercised ; and the inheritance secured ; all combine to 
fix the attention, to warm the fancy, to deepen the inter- 
est, and carry forward the expectations of the delighted 
hearer. 

But I trust, with a proper regard to the glory of God 
and the good of others, the history of those who have 
gone before us may be transmitted to them who shall 
come after, in a manner no less profitable than inter- 
esting. 

A spirit of praise for the goodness of Heaven, and a 
humble acknowledgment of the divine hand, should be 
happily blended ; and the mind susceptible of virtuous 
impressions will receive the influence of grace and truth 
with less repugnance, as the living images are presented 
to view. The thoughts, without prejudice, will ascend 
to God ; the heart will be affected, and the soul impress- 
ed with sentiments of gratitude and veneration to the 
Author of so much mercy, and to the all- wise Governour 
of the natural and moral world. 

That the history of God's dealings with mankind, and 
especially with his people, has been considered impor- 
tant and useful to following generations, it is presumed 
none will deny, when they recollect the particular ac- 
count which Moses gave, before the people of another 
generation, concerning the wonders which God had 
wrought, from Egypt, through all the journeyings of the 
wilderness. The apostles, also, frequently retraced the 
foot-steps of the Almighty, and dwelt, with much joy and 
confidence, on the gracious providence, by which their 
fathers, in the faith of Jesus, were rescued from the pow- 
er of the adversary ; prospered in their pious endeav- 
ours ; and crowned with blessedness and glory. The 
Psalmist often reviewed the history of God's dealings 



with transport, and expressed a satisfaction in transmit- 
ting to others, the things which had been received from 
preceding generations.— "Give ear, O my people, to my 
law ; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will 
open my mouth in a parable ; I will utter dark sayings of 
old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have 
told us. We will not hide them from their children, 
shewing to the generation to come, the praises of the 
Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he 
hath done." 

Neither will we, my beloved hearers, hide from our 
children the ways in which the Lord hath led us, and 
those who have gone before. And, to accomplish our 
present purpose, we shall 

L Consider some of the benefits of transmitting to pos- 
terity, the past providences, and wonderful works of 

God: 
n. Give some account of the dealings of God towards 

this people ; and, 
in. Urge the duties naturally resulting.' 

\. we shall consider some of the benefits of transmit- 
ting to posterity, the past providences and wonderful 
works of God. 

1. One benefit of communicating the history of our 
ancestors to the generation following, is, to preserve an 
account of facts, and furnish the mind with interesting 
and important knowledge. 

A want of authentick information has often given rise 
to a multitude of conjectures, and proved a source of 
contention, superstition, and errour. Where a record of 
facts is wanting, fancy and imagination have ample scope ; 
and sometimes, by a combination of events, in relation 
to a particular person, or place, lead to the most injuri- 
ous consequences. Early plans and undertakings for 
good, have been perverted from the end proposed, and 



great injury has resulted from a misconception of real 
intentions, and important facts. An acquaintance with 
tlie adventures of our fathers ; with their benevolent pur- 
poses and operations ; and with the leadings of divine 
providence in their behalf, must ever tend to interest 
the feelings, to replenish the understanding, to govern 
future conduct, and to improve the heart. 

2. By reviewing the providences of God, and trans- 
mitting his wonderful works to our children, it will be 
seen, that he deals with men in a consistent way, and by 
consistent means. 

He generally treats them in their social capacity, even 
in this world, according to their character and conduct, 
although it may not be observed at every point of time, 
nor realized, what is truly a blessing for their piety, or a 
curse for their sins. This may be seen, in a multitude 
of instances, from the days of Noah to the present peri- 
od. Yet it will be found, that a few individuals, by re- 
ceiving encouragement, and exerting their influence, 
have given a pernicious or salutary bias to the state of 
community, and stamped the general character with the 
outlines of their own. And it is as true in small socie- 
ties, as in nations, that, ^^When the righteous are in au- 
thority, the people rejoice ; but ivhen the wicked beareth rule, 
the people mourn.^^ 

The changes in society are more general and imper- . 
ceptible, than with individuals. They are not common- 
ly effected short of one or two generations. Yet they 
are no less certain ; and are attended with no less im- 
portant consequences, as it respects the favour or dis- 
pleasure of Heaven. And although the wicked are blind- 
ed by the sins which bring their wretchedness upon them, 
yet it is no less the wrath of God against all unrighteous- 
ness of men. 



The means, also, by which God confers good, or in- 
flicts evil, are perfectly consistent with the ends to be ef- 
fected. Ahhough he may have deviated from his com- 
mon course, and have sent mercies, or judgments, in an 
unexpected manner ; yet, as in the natural, so it will gen- 
erally be found in the moral world ; we must till tie ground 
and sow the seed, or we cannot reap in time of harvest. So 
likewise, ^'■Wliatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also 
reapJ'^ '■'-The diligent hand maketh rich ; but the slothful 
Cometh to want.^^ Those who are discreet and stable in 
their plans of business, and constant in pursuing them, 
will ultimately effect much ; while they who keep not 
their end in view ; who are earned about by every wind ; 
may be greatly perplexed, and toil hard to no good pur- 
pose. These remarks are equally true with respect to 
religion and morals. By the established laws of his gov- 
ernment, God has connected the means with the ends. 
Instruction is essential to a knowledge of the truth ; and 
knowledge is essential to faith ; faith to piety ; and pie- 
ty to the good order and happiness of community. It 
may be seen, that ignorance, sinful courses, and 'misera- 
ble consequences, are no less surely connected. These 
truths are clearly delineated in the history of God's deal- 
ings with mankind, as recorded in the Bible. And the 
sacred instructions, warnings, and exhortations, go to 
the same point. "Train up a child in the way he should 
go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." "My 
son forget not my law ; but let thine heart keep my com- 
mandments : for length of days, and long life, and peace, 
shall they add to thee." "Faith cometh by hearing, and 
hearing by the word of God." Said the Lord, by the pro- 
phet Ezekiel, "That they may walk in my statutes, and 
keep my ordinances and do them ; and they shall be my 
people, and I will be their God. But as for them whose 
heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things, and 
2 



10 

their abominations, I will recompense their way upoii 
their own heads, saith the Lord God." 

3. Wisdom is imparted. 

For the arts and improvements of life ; for the best 
aws, plans, and successful operations, in social, civil, 
literary, or religious matters, next to the Bible, we are 
indebted to the experience, inventions, observations, and 
discoveries, of those who have gone before us. And when 
we look back upon the causes of good, or evil, in church 
or state ; as they appear in the schemes adopted, the 
means used, the course pursued, or in the character that 
sustained, or betrayed our confidence ; we may learn 
more wisely to adapt the means to the end proposed ; 
to avoid that which has proved injurious ; and to adopt 
and prosecute those measures which promise the great- 
er usefulness. With a whole train of events before us ; 
the influence of opinions, measures, character, example, 
general practices and instructions ; of individuals, fami- 
lies, neighbourhoods, and societies ; we may be enabled 
to trace effects to their causes, and again causes to their 
effects ; and to judge more correctly, what will be use- 
ful to future generations. We may see the importance 
of encouraging the good ; of counteracting, or holding 
in check, all that has a pernicious tendency ; and of pro- 
moting improvement in religious, and useful knowledge, 
as the best means of preventing vice ; of guarding the 
liberty, equal rights, and privileges of the people ; and of 
advancing the interest of their immortal souls. 

4. The history of God's dealings with our ancestors 
is suited to teach us our dependence on his grace and 
government, to direct our path, to bless our labours and 
give salvation. 

The sinfulness and folly of every age will show the de- 
praved and mis erable condition of mankind ; the need of 



11 

a Saviour's blood ; and of the interposition of mercy oil 
our behalf. 

There is a mysterious connexion between the depend- 
ence, and moral liberty of God's accountable subjects. 
And while some have stumbled at this incomprehensible 
mystery, in perplexity, or through opposition, others have 
found it more profitable to bow to the instructions of the 
sacred volume ; to depend on the guidance of a merciful 
Redeemer ; and actively obey his holy commands. 

That God governs by a consistent course of means, 
must be evident to every one who will cast his eye back 
upon the scenes that are past. This, in connexion with 
the divine promise, is sufficient to encourage the active 
service of the creature, in a belief and hope of the de- 
sired good. On the other hand, our dependence on the 
care, direction, and mercy of an overruling power, to 
give effect to our means and measures, must be seen and 
acknowledged. Even the fairest expectations have some- 
times been bhghted, and the best exertions have been ren- 
dered ineffectual. This is suited to humble the pride of 
man ; to destroy self-confidence ; and to lead our 
thoughts, affections, desires, and hopes to God, through 
the mercy of Jesus. Then, 

II. Let us trace the deaUngs of the Lord towards 
this people ; especially towards this Church and Society. 

Nothing more can be expected, than a brief unpolish- 
ed statement of facts. And it is possible that some things 
more worthy of notice may be omitted. 

As the first settlers* of this town have mostly descend- 
ed to their sepulchers, we stand in a very important situ- 
ation to catch the last accents of joy or wo, that fall from 
their lips. And as it is our favoured privilege to hear the 

*I know of but two persons, now living in town, who came here so early 
as the fifth or sixth iamily. 



12 

interesting tale of the beginning of their pilgrimage, it is no 
less our duty to hear with interest ; to cherish the re- 
membrance with filial affection ; and communicate the 
same to their children, with our fervent prayers, that the 
blessing of Heaven may descend to the latest posterity. 

This town, originally called Newton, was granted by 
Gevernour Wentworth, under King George the third, in 
Aug. 1763. (A) And, according to the best information 
obtained, settlements commenced about the same time. 
Messrs. Simon Baker, Isaac Cady, and William Druce 
were the first that spent a winter in town.* 

Jacob Cady was the first born in the place ; and the 
first that died was a child of Mr. Baker, which was inter- 
red in the burying ground near the middle of the town. 
(B) Even in the wilderness, our fathers and their 
children experienced tlie consequences of sin ; were as- 
sailed by the dessolating foe ; were called to shed the 
tears of mourning ; and admonished to prepare for anoth- 
er world. 

Concerning a few of the earliest families I have not been 
aUle to gather many particulars. (C) John Burroughs 
Came into town in the spring of 1766, and moved his fam- 
ily in tlie fall of the same year ; which made the 5th or 
6th in the place. I am informed that the settlers, when 
they became 8 or 10 families, were established on a 
road, at first known by marked trees, leading from \V al- 
pole, and the west part of this town, towards Marlow, 
bearing north of east. Many trials, and not a few enjoy- 
ments were experienced at that time. In sickness their 
circumstances were peculiarly trying, as neighbours were 
distant, and all destitute of many of the conveniences 
and comforts, that we enjoy. Yet, the Lord was their 

'Wm. D. being situated much alone, was soon discouraged, and went back 
to his native place ; but afterwards returned. 



13 

shepherd ; and, it is said, they exercised that brotherly 
kindness, which is worthy to be imitated by their descen- 
dants. 

Among other discouragements and providence^, wor- 
thy of notice, is one that happened to John Burroughs, 
when he commenced labour on the place he had purcha- 
sed. After having passed up the Connecticut River to 
Hanover, in search of land to which he had a claim ; 
and being disappointed and discouraged, he determined 
to return to Tolland, Con. from whence he came. He 
consulted, however, with friends at Walpole, and finally 
made a purchase near the west line in Alstead. He, 
with his son John, came on to the land, which was cov- 
ered with heavy timber, and the first tree that was fell- 
ed, parted a limb which struck his head, and, to appear- 
ance, was likely to prove mortal. But he was carried by 
his son to Walpole, where he in a measure recovered, 
though he was never perfectly restored to his former 
health. 

The wife of Mr. Cady, who afterwards married Mr. 
Clisbee, is supposed to have been the first woman that 
came into the place. But 1 am unable to state what year. 
She died about 15 months ago, at the age of 86 or 87. 
The first marriage, both persons belonging in town, was 
in Nov. 1775.* And the first baptisms were administered 
in Sept. 1768, at the house of Capt. Dilano, by the Rev. 
Thomas Fessenden of Walpole. The first town meeting 
was holden March 11th, 1766.t In 1775 the town was 
first represented at a provincial Congress, by Nathaniel 
S. Prentice. 

It appears that our ancestors brought with them a 
reverence for God and divine institutions. Their feel- 

♦Oliver Shepard to Zerviah Hatch. 

jCapt. Timothy Dilano was chosen moderator, and Jason Wait, Town 
Clerk. 



14 

ings and habits were such, that they viewed religious in- 
struction ; the truths and duties of the Bible ; and the 
worship of the Supreme Being, of prime importance. 
Therefore, as dependent and accountable creatures, they 
early gave their attention to the subject of religion, and 
made provisions accordingly. 

I am informed that religious meetings were statedly 
holden, with much harmony and spiritual comfort, when 
we were but as a little one, and destitute of ministerial 
labour. (D) In 1770 a committee was chosen by the 
town to procure a preacher of the gospel ; and in 1776 
a vote was passed to build a meeting-house. (E) In 
1778 a Church was gathered. But on account of the loss 
of the jfirst church records, I have been unable to learn 
many particulars of that interesting and important event. 
(F) In 1778 a call was renewed to Mr. James Treadway, 
to settle in the ministry over this people. But there was 
a difference of opinion respecting the man ; and especial- 
ly, as to the place for setting the meeting-house, which 
appears to have prevented union and success. The late 
Dr. Payson, of Rindge, afterwards preached in this town 
as a candidate. In June, 1781, the town voted to unite 
with the church, in giving Mr. Jacob Mann a call to set- 
tle over them in the work of the ministry. Although he, 
at first, gave a negative answer, the call was renewed, 
and he was ordained in Feb. 1782. In May, 1789, he 
was dismissed. (G) 

In Nov. 1788, the 2d Congregational Church, which 
has an incorporated society in its connexion, was form- 
ed in the East Parish of this town. (H) The Rev. Levi 
Lankton was ordained over the same in Sept. 1789. 
He was taken from his labours a few years since, by in- 
firmity.* In Dec. 1790, a Baptist Church was formed; 

*In consequence of disease upon his lungs, he was deprived of his voice ; 
and moved to Westborough, Mass. in the summer of 1823. 



15 

and the Rev. Jeremiah Higbee was ordained May, 1794, 
who still remains their pastor. (I) Since that, in May, 
1820, a universalist society has been formed, taking the 
name of the First Christian Toleration Society in Al- 
Btead.* After the formation of the two above mention- 
ed churches, the town continued, however, to act, as such, 
in religious matters, in union with the First Congrega- 
tional Church ; and in June, 1791, the Rev. Samuel 
Mead was ordained over them. In April, 1797, he was 
dismissed. 

From this time to the settlement of the present minis- 
ter, a considerable number of preachers were employed. 
Of these, the Rev. Mr. Wells continued the longest term. 

When the people in general became so divided, that 
the gospel could not be supported by the town, as such ; 
and the original Church and parish had long been un- 
settled and destitute, it was thought best to place things 
on a more permanent foundation, by obtaining an act of 
incorporation, which was granted in June, 1815. In the 
winter and spring of 1 815, there was an unusual attention 
to religion, and the present minister was invited to this 
place. t He commenced his labours the first Sabbath in 
May ; and was ordained Jan. 17, 1816. 

What appears remarkable in divine providence, all the 
ministers that have been settled in town, notwithstanding 
their extraordinary changes, are still living ; and may 

*FronQ the title of this society, it may be imagined by those who are not ac- 
quainted with the circumstances, that intolerance prevailed to an unusual de- 
gree in the Churches and Societies previously formed. But in justice to 
them all, it must be observed, that nothing like an intolerant spirit has come 
to the knowledge of the author, for these ten years. It Ls believed, that there 
has been as much religious toleration m this place, as in any town of our 
country, under like circumstances. (See Appendix F.) The Society was 
formed soon after the law was passed in this state, commonly called the Tol- 
eration Act. f M f 

tDeac. Cook providentially went to Westminster to inquire for a candi- 
date, just at the time I returaed to my father's, after having preached du- 
ring the winter in Mass. 



16 

look, at once, on the scenes they have passed.* What 
an overwhelming view, when they shall stand together 
before their final Judge, with all the people under their 
instruction and care ; with all the bearings and conse- 
quences of their faithfulness or unfaithfulness, fully be- 
fore them ! What an overwhelming thought, that their 
own souls, and the souls of their people must receive 
their doom, according to the deeds done in the body ; 
according to the character formed in this fleeting life — 
the use of the talents committed to their trust ! 

Considering all the circumstances, at the time of my 
ordination, and before, the union and liberality in at- 
tempting the settlement of a minister, were unusual. 
Even the surviving of the Church to that period could 
hardly have been expected. (K) But the Lord watched 
over the vine which his own right hand had planted. 
And now, after the trial of ten years, I have reason to be- 
lieve, that the attachment of the Church and Society is 
no less strong and undivided, as it respects the form of 
sound doctrine, the religious institutions they undertook 
to support, and the pastor of their choice. 

1 would gratefully acknowledge, under the smiles of 
divine providence, the many kindnesses I have received 
from my people, both in the days of affliction and pros- 
perity. (L) It is believed, that my labours commenced 
here with many prayers, and due consideration ; and 
the liberal exertions of my supporters, bore witness to 
their faith. Besides my settlement, of which a number 
gave from 50 to 200 dollars each, three individuals have 
estabhshed a permanent fund of 2100 dollars. (M) There 
is a prospect of adding as much as another thousand, by 
the generosity and benevolence of a few persons, whose 

*Since this sermon was delivered, the Rev. Mr. Mann has died. He de- 
parted this Ufe at Plainfield onthe 18th of April, being 80 years of age; and 
his remains were hrought to this town, where he had resided till a short time 
before his death. 



17 

stability, and regard for the good cause, are not in the 
least abated. 

There were a considerable number united with this 
Church just before my settlement ; and 24 have joined 
since. (N) Nineteen have died out of it ; and we hope 
have left the privileges of the Church militant, for the 
enjoyments of the Church triumphant. One of her of- 
ficers, who was highly esteemed, is taken away.* 

I have baptised, in this parish, 47 ; of whom 5 were 
adults. Within the limits of this town, I have solemniz- 
ed 48 marriages. (O) 

The whole number of deaths in ten years is 196 ; of 
which 24 died the ^'ear past. 

The average number annually is near 20, many of 
whom I have followed with the mourning relatives to the 
grave. And still, my hearers, we live. Let us pause 
and reflect for a moment, why it is, that we survive, while 
many younger, and some eminently useful are taken 
away ? Although the change in society has been gradu- 
al, and, perhaps, in a measure imperceptible to us ; yet 
it has been great in ten years. Our Fathers ! where are 
they ? Many have gone to the land of silence. In ten 
years more, many of us must doubtless pass that bourne 
from whence no traveller returns. 

"Well, if our days must fly, 

We'll keep their end in sight ; 
We'll spend them all in wisdom's way, 
And let them speed theirflight." (P) 

The descendants of many of the early settlers still con- 
tinue in town. But to give a particular account of the 
original families ; of distinguished individuals ; and of 
the professional men who have resided here any consid- 
erable term ; I need more information. A number have 
studied the different professions in this place. Some 

*Deac. Nathan Fay died June 8, 1825. aged 74. 



18 

belonging in town have received a liberal education ; 
and perhaps a larger number are now members of our 
colleges, than ever before at any one time. (Q) 

It is within the last ten years that the grant for an 
academy was obtained, and the building erected. (R) 
Besides the two publick libraries which were established 
before, there is, connected with this church and society, 
a useful collection of books, for the benefit of the child- 
ren and youth belonging to the Sabbath School Institu- 
tion, which has been recently established, and is in a 
flourishing condition. (S) There is also a Female Cent 
Society in this parish, formed in June, 1817 ; and the 
money appropriated for benevolent purposes to the pres- 
ent time, is 176 dollars. (T) A society for improvement 
in sacred musick was likewise formed in April, 1822, 
with the promise of good. And may the Lord grant us 
hearts to praise him in the spirit of holiness ; that we 
may not only shew his praises to the generation to come, 
but be admitted to sing them, with more exalted strains, 
in a better world. (U) 

III. The duties flowing from our subject are 

1 . Gratitude to God for the mercies of his overruling 
hand. 

By his strength we have been sustained from the in- 
fancy of our social state to the present time. He watch- 
ed over our fathers, and their children for good ; and not 
only gave them all temporal blessings that were needful, 
but has continued the privileges of the gospel, with the 
offers of salvation, to us and our children. Even the 
chastisements, and corrections, of a father's merciful 
hand, should be gratefully acknowledged, and wisely im- 
proved. 

2. When we look back, with an impartial eye, upon 
scenes past, and behold the sins and follies of Hfe ; of an 
age, or a year ; we should repent of all our transgress- 



19 

ions, and be clothed with humility for our misuse, neglect, 
or abuse, of the mercies of Heaven. 

3. We should trust entirely in the mercy and merits 
of the Lord Jesus, for cleansing, healing and forgiveness. 

Looking upon the unchangeable truth of God's word, 
and his unfailing faithfulness to those who have lived be- 
fore us; we should commit our goings, our possessions, 
and our souls, to him who will never deceive our hopes. 
While obedient to his will, we should place unshaken 
confidence in his government, wisdom and grace. 

4. We should break off all our sins by righteousness, and 
serve God with new resolutions, zeal and fidelity. 

In the retrospect of the past, we may look forward, 
with peculiar advantages, for serving God and our gen- 
eration, faithfully. We may learn from the experience 
of others, and the events that have transpired, to make 
God our friend, and rehgion our business, if we would 
be truly prosperous in time, and blessed in eternity. 
Therefore, my hearers, while you stand upon the border 
of another year, look beyond the grave into which so ma- 
ny have fallen. Fix your eye upon Heaven, and your 
hopes on the mercy of God. Let wisdom be your path ; 
the Bible your guide ; and holiness your peculiar qualifi- 
cation. Let meekness, humility, prayer, dihgence, char- 
ity, perseverance and stability, truth and honesty, be 
your constant companions. Hearken to the voice of con- 
science, and examine your hearts. Let the spirit of 
grace be your hght, consolation and strength ; and the 
Lord Jesus, your prophet, priest, and king ; your Media- 
tor, Advocate, and final Redeemer. Amen. 



i^PFSUDIZ, 



EMBRACING 
HZSTORZCAIi SKETCHES OF THZ TOVrXT OF AX.STEAD. 



The Author has been informed, that there was a prior grant of 
the town, by the name of Newton ; but that the charter was lost by 
a failure of the conditions on the part of the grantees. The per- 
sons to whom it was granted by Gov. Benning Wentworth, were 
Samuel Cliase and his associates, 70 in all. The first proprietors' 
meeting was holden June 4th, 1766, at the house of Timothy Dila- 
no. Samuel Chase was chosen Moderator, and Timothy Dilano, 
Proprietors' Clerk. 



In the burying-ground near the meeting-house occupied by the 
1st Congregational Church and Society. There are two other bu- 
ry ing-plares in town. The first buried in that of the East Parish, 
was a child of David Richardson ; and the first buried in that at 
the west part of the town, near Walpoie, was Mrs. Crane, an aged 
woman. 



Since this sermon was delivered, finding it agreeable to the wish- 
es of many of his people, the writer has endeavoured to collect and 
arrange a more particular account of the first families that came to 
town. This account will embrace those only, which would be soon- 
est lost to the memory ; and although it may be in a measure im- 
perfect, for the want of earlier attention to the subject, it will prob- 
ably be some satisfaction to their descendants, and the generation 
to come. 



22 

It is said that the first persons who came to the place, for the pur- 
pose of surveying the town, laid their encampment near a small 
stream, now called Camp Brook ; from which circumstance it deriv- 
ed its name. 

As a settler, William Druce came in town, from Grafton, Mass, 
in 1764 or 65. He married Molly Clayton of the same place, by 
whom he had three daughters ; one of whom, Sarah, is now living 
in town. 

Isaac Cady was one of the earliest settlers, and is supposed by 
some to have been the first. He c^me from Pomfret, Con. to this 
place in 1765. He manied Sarah Hildrick, who was the first wo- 
man that spent a winter in town. By her he had 3 sons, and a 
number of daughters. His sons were called after the Patriarchs 
Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Isaac Cady jun. married Miss Holtoii, 
had a large family, and moved out of town some time ago. Jacob 
Cady left town when young. An occurrence of his childliood is, 
perhaps, worthy of notice ; and no less so, as he was the first born 
in the place. The event happened in 1770, when he was about 
two years and a half old, while his father lived in the east part of 
the town, where Mr. Isaac Kent now lives. Tiie region around 
was one vast wilderness, and thickly inhabited by beasts of prey. 
Jacob, who was peculiarly dear to his mother, left her in the after- 
noon to go to his father, chopping at a little distance, in the woods. 
But when the father returned home at night — to their great sur- 
prise, the child was missing. The anxious parents flew immedi- 
ately, in search of their little boy, and the more they hunted, and 
called; as the thick darkness of night gathered around them; as 
their researches were found ineffectual ; the more their anxiety in- 
creased and their hopes desponded. The night was spent in anx- 
ious search and awful suspense. But all their toil and care were 
vain. The light of the morning returned ; and, yet their child was 
lost. But the day was now before them, and parental affection does 
not easily relinquish its object. The neighbours, though distant 
and few, were friendly and kind. Some immediately joined with 
the afflicted parents, in ranging the woods, and others carried in- 
formation to the neighbouring towns. But the day declined ; and 
the hopes, which were for a while enkindled, again sunk in des- 
pondency, as the darkness closed upon the light. Fires were kin- 
dled, at distances from each other, suited to direct their search, and 
to attract the attention of the child ; and numbers spent the night 
in fruitless attempts for his recovery. As the light of another day 
guildedthe horizon, and invited their renewed exertions, multitudes 
were collected from Charlestown, Walpole, Keene, Marlow, and 
all the neighbouring towns,* to lend their assistance ; to make one 

*It is said 4 or 500 were coUected, although the country was thinly inhab- 
ited. 



23 

united effort ; and, if possible, to relieve the anxieties of these be- 
reaved parents. Hope was again revived, and earnest expectations 
were entertained, as the bands went forth to scour the woods, with 
critical and careful attention, to every nook, and to everj circum- 
stance, that might show signs of the lost child. In their faithful 
searches among the rocks, forest trees, and fallen timber, at one 
time they discovered the tracks of a child and those of a bear, or 
of some wild beast very near them. 

Eager and trembling were the pursuers. Soon, however, all in- 
dications of discovery disappeared ; and, as the day began to de- 
cline, they relinquished their objort, as hopeless, and many return- 
e i to tiie house ot Mr. Cady. * 1 .s !" said the mother ; under the 
burthen of fatigue ; a want ot sleep, and a spirit sinking in despair ; 
"If 1 could know that the child was relieved from suffering, even 
by the devouring beasts, I could be still. Could I see a fragment of 
his torn limbs, 1 would say no more ! But can I lie down to rest, 
not knowing but my little Jacob is wandering and starving in yon- 
der gloom?* Can a fond parent forget her child, or cease to 
look for the little wanderer? Even the sleep of night would be 
disturbed, by the visionary dreams ot his suffering state, and the 
seeming cries, for a mother's aid." 

Such artless eloquence as this could not fail to move those gen- 
erous feelings, and noble sentiments which our fathers inherited. 
It was sufficient to put in lively exercise that compassion and be- 
nevolence ; that spirit of enterprise and perseverance ; for which 
they were so much distinguished. 

Gen. Benjamin Bellows, and Capt. Jennison of Walpole, Capt. 
John Burroughs of this town, Mr. Abner Bingham of Marlow, and 
a few others who had not left the house, immediately determined to 
renew the search. And, even the prospect of approaching night 
only served to hasten their steps, and nerve their weary limbs. 
They agreed on the following signal, and set offin the pursuit. If 
they should discover any signs of the child, nne gun was to be dis- 
charged ; if he should be found dead, or to have been destroyed, 
two gum were to be discharged ; and if he should be found alive, 
the discharge of three would give notice. With anxious, though 
enfeebled solicitude, did the parents and those at the house, listen, 
to catch the first sound, that might burst upon the ear, from the still 
expanse of the south. No sooner had their eager attention began 
to subside, than the first signal was heard. Every countenance in- 
stantly glowed with a fluctuating crimson, which told the emotions 

*The house stood upon an elevated spot which overlooked a dark deep 
forest, on the south west, in the low ground, about Warren's pond; and al- 
so on the south east, towards Marlow and Stoddard. 



24 

of joy and fear, that struggled, alternately, within. But these emo- 
tions soon gave way to a deadly paleness, and fearful apprehensions, 
when the second discharge was heard. Is the child dead ? was 
the secret inquiry of every look. Now all were breathless to hear, 
and. were afraid, they should not. But soon the third discharge 
broke the dreadful suspense, and burst the veil of uncertaint) that 
hung over the scene. The change which so quickly succeeded ; 
the joy that kindled in every breast, glowed in every countenance, 
and sparkled in every eye, can be more easily imagined, than des- 
cribed. The child was found asleep, east, or S. E. of Warien's 
pond;* and restored with peculiar satisfaction, and joyful triumph, 
to the embrace of its delighted parents, by Gen. Bellows of Wal- 
pole. 

Joseph Cady still lives in town. He married Miss Cheever, by 
whom he has 4 sons, and two daughters. 

Concerning Simon Baker, and Deac. Joseph Warner, who came 
early into town, with their families, the author has not been able 
to learn many particulars. The former lived about a mile and a 
half west from the meeting house ; and the latter about half a mile 
south-west. All pertaining to these families left town some time 
ago. 

Maj. Jason Wait came from Grafton, Mass. to this place, in the 
early part of its settlement; and was a brother of Doct. Wait, who 
was killed in the battle of Bunker's Hill. He married Miss Axtell 
of Grafton, by whom he had one son. and one daughter. His fath- 
er came with him, and died 1784, in the 82d year of his age. Maj. 
W. went forth into the military service of his country ; was pro- 
moted to the rank of a Captain, by Col. Wait, of Claremont, and 
afterwards to that of a Major. He was taken by the enemy ; and 
at the capture of Burgoyne, he was retaken. He died in West- 
moreland, some time since the close of the Revolutionary War. 

Capt. Timothy Dilano came to this place, from Tolland, Con. 
perhaps sooner than the two last mentioned persons. He married 
Miss Lathrop of Tolland, by whom he had a large number of child- 
ren. He built the first framed barn in town, which is now stand- 
ing, and owned by Jonathan Farnsworth. His brother, Barney D. 
came here about the same time, and from the same place. But 
none of the descendants remain in town. 

John Burrou<ihs came to this place, from Tolland, Con. in May, 
1760. He married .Sarah Abby of Enfield, Con. by whom he had 
five sons, and two daughters. The sons' names were John, Joel, 
Timothy, Daniel, and Elijah. Capt. John Burroughs, jun. came 

*There is a stake, and a pile of stones, now to be seen, which is said to 
mark the spot where the child was found. Capt. Burrouj;hs is supposed to 
be the first that discovered him. As near as could be learned from the child, 
he had seen men alter him, and endeavoured to avoid them, supposing they 
were Indians. 



25 

at first with his father, and moved his family the next year, 1767. 
He married Mehitable Carlton of Tolland, by wiioni he had 10 
children ; 2 sons, and 8 daughter:*. The sons' nanjes are John and 
Samuel ; both living, and the latter in town. The old gentleman, 
their father, still lives, and is the earliest settler that continues to 
the present time. He is able to relate many interesting events 
that transpired, during some of the first years after he came to the 
place. Among these, the hurt of his father, whom he supposed, 
for a while to be dead, seems to have made the deepest impression 
upon his mind. He informs the writer, that one oi the great evils 
of those days, was the multitude of wild beasts; especially bears 
and wolves, which were so numerous, as to devour their swine and 
sheep; and, sometimes, to assail their larger cattle. At one time, 
as he was called to Walpole for medical aid, in behalf of his fami- 
ly, he saw, but a few rods distant, a large panther, which he drove 
from him by a stern look, and a sudden yell. At another time, 
he returned from Walpole in a terrible timnder storm, and a pow- 
erful rain, which his physician would not encounter in the night. 
In an unexpected manner he found himself enclosed by the bushy 
top of a large tree that had fallen in his way. By reason of the 
extreme darkness, neither he, nor his horse, could keep the path, 
which was, however, none of the best. After many attempts to 
extricate himself and his horse, and groping long in the dark, he 
was compelled to lodge there for the night. And, said he, with the 
amile of second childhood, ''I laid my hand over my ear, to ki^ep 
out the rain, and slept sweetly till morning." He volunteered his 
services, under Capt. Webber of Walpole, in 1777, to go to Ben- 
nington, Vt. and was engaged in the battle at that place. He went 
from that against Burgoyne, at Still Water, and returned safely 
home in the fall. 

Joel Burroughs married Phebe Messer of Walpole, by whom he 
had 6 sons, and 8 daughters. 

Timothy Burroughs married Esther Hurlburt of Weathersfield, 
Con. by whom he had 3 sons, and 7 daughters. He moved from 
this in 1798, to Brookfield, Vt. A very trying circumstance oc- 
curred, while he lived with his father, in the west part of this town. 
On the morning of a fair summer's day, his wife took her infant in 
her arms and set out for a visit, about a mile distant, to one of her 
neighbours. But, turning aside from the direct path, she lost her 
way. When she found, that she was lost, and could not retrace her 
steps, her mind became frantick and confused. She paid no regard 
to her clothes or strength; and, to the injury of both, she passed 
hastily and furiously through the woods, in any direction that seem- 
ed most favourable to her wishes. But when she despaired of find- 
ing her home, or any other dwelling; and the darkness, and her 
own weariness forbade further excursions, she reclined, for the night, 
4 



26 

under a large tree.* While she heard the howling of wolves in 
different directions, an owl that perched on the tree over her head, 
beguiled the tedious hours of a lonely night- It diverted her thoughts 
from nriore dreadful considerations, and soothed her mind with 
those plaintive notes, at measured intervals, which so well harmo- 
nized with her feelings, and solitar}' condition.! In the morning 
she renewed her wanderings; and general search was made by 
neighbours and friends. She was finally found the same day, to the 
great joy of her family, near the road that passes up the Connecti- 
cut River, by Mr. Israel Whiteman's. 

Daniel Burroughs married Mary Crane for his first wife, and Ol- 
ive Carpenter for his second ; and early moved to Vermont, and 
then to the state of Ohio. 

Elijah Burroughs, Esq. married Eunice Thompson ; had no child- 
ren, and moved to Ohio. 

Nathaniel Rust came from Tolland, Con. in April, 1767. He 
married Hannah Burroughs, by whom he had 2 sons, and 6 daugh- 
ters. The sons' names were Nathaniel and Daniel. Daniel R. 
still lives in town, on the same farm which his father first bought. 
His mother, an aged widow, living with him, has resided in town 
63 years, longer than any other woman now here. 

Andrew Clark came from Tolland, Con. in the autumn of 1766. 
He married Elizabeth Burroughs, by whom he had 3 sons and 2 
dauk,hters. The sons' names were Nathaniel, John, and William ; 
who have left town. 

Elisha Warner came from Connecticut to this place, in 1766. 
He married Miss Baker, and soon left the town. 

Josiah Stephens came in town in 1766, and shortly afterwards 
moved to Newport. 

Three brothers by the name of Chandler came in town, from 
Enfield, Con. about the year 1767. Samuel, the eldest, married 
Miss Thompson of Enfield, by whom he had six children. His 
sons' names are Jonathan, John, James, Nehemiah, and Samuel. 
John and James now reside in town, the latter of whom has served 
a number of years as justice of the peace. 

Joel Chandler, Esq. married Miss Simons of Enfield, by whom 
he had seven children. His sons' names were Joel, Nehemiah, Na- 
than, and Joel. The first was drowned, before the last was born. 
Capt. Joel C. jun. still lives in town. 

Zebulon Chandler married Miss Simons, and soon moved out of 
town. 

Simon and Henry Romery came from Enfield, Con. in 1767, 
but soon moved to Vermont. 

*It was found afterwards to be on the summit of a high hill near Drews- 
ville. 

fShe observed, as stated by her friends, that it continued to sing all night. 



27 

Andrew Beckwith came from Lyme, Con. to this town in 1767. 
He married Catharine Shailer, of Ljme, Con. by whom he had 
nine cliildren. I'he sons' names were Richard, Andrew. Bazaleel, 
and Shailer. Andrew Beckwith is the tirst person, who served as 
a grand juror from this town, in the Court of General Sessions, 
Sept. 1772. A remarkable providence interposed for the preser- 
vation of his son Richard. When an infant, liis mother went to 
the woods to gather a few berries. She placed her little child on 
the ground ; and while she wandered some distance, and was about 
returning, she saw a huge bear come up to the tender babe. And, 
Oh ! it is hardly possible to conceive the throbbing of a fond moth- 
er's heart, while she beheld the voracious animal smelling and 
passing around her darling child. What could be done? But while 
she stood in awful suspense, petrified with fear and doubt, to her 
exceeding joy, the bear retired, and left the boy unhurt ami uncon- 
scious of his danger. He is now living in town, and is a deacon 
in the first Congregational Church. 

Andrew B. jun. has moved to New York. Bazaleel moved to 
Acworth ; — died in 1824, and in consequence of his body being 
stolen from the grave, much unhappiness and tumult were occasion- 
ed, not only to the friends, but to all this vicinity. Shailer, the 
youngest brother, is also dead. 

Shubael Waldo came from Mansfield, Con. to this place, in 1768. 
He married Abigail Allen, by whom he had fifteen children, of 
whom nine were sons. Samuel, Shubael, jun. Abiathur, and Jona- 
than, went to New York. Samuel was a Baptist minister. Jesse 
remained in Mansfield. Edward continued in tliis town, had a nu- 
merous family, of whom Elijah is the oldest, who now lives in tlie 
place. Daniel was the first blacksmith in this place, and moved to 
Chesterfield some time since. Beulah kept the first tavern in town, 
about half a mile south of the meeting-house, and afterwards mov- 
ed to Vermont. 

Calvin Waldo graduated at Dartmouth College, read law with 
Benjamin West, Esq. in Charlestown, and is settled in Massachu- 
setts. 

Jonathan Shepard, of English descent, came from Coventry, Con. 
to this place, in 1768. A few years afterwards he moved his fam- 
ily. He married Love Palmer, of Stonington, Con. for his first wife, 
bv whom he had seven sons and three daughters, all of whom, ex- 
cept the oldest daughter, have lived in town. 

By his second wife, Polly Underwood, he had one daughter. 
His sons' names were Jonathan, Oliver, Nathaniel, Amos, Simeon, 
Joshua, and Roswell, all of whom came to town about the same 
time with their father; and some of them became the most wealthy 
and influential persons in the place. Jonathan, the oldest son, was 
a shoemaker, and married Hannah Benjamin, of Hartford, Con. by 
whom he had six sons and one daughter. 



28 

Capt. Oliver Shepard married Zerviah Hatch, by whom he had 
two sons and two daughters. He represented this town in a Col- 
ouial Conirress, and in the state legislatuie, nine }ears. Nathan- 
iel Shepard mnrried Lois Marvin, by whom he had no issue. Gen. 
Amos Shepard married Thankful Cadwell, of Hartford, Con. by 
whom he had no chiidien. He was a merchant, and the first in 
the place. He accumidated a large property, and had an extensive 
influence. He served as Maj. General of the Militia, and repre- 
sented the town i'.i the state legislature many years. He was also 
a Coum ilLrand Senator in the State; and fur seven }ears, he was 
President of (he Senate. He died suddenly in 1812, leaving Maj. 
Samuel Hut<hirisoii, Executor of his last will and testament. Af- 
ter miking liberal provisions for his widow, and many smalfer leg- 
acies, the property was left to four persons, Joshua Shepard, Ros- 
well S. Lev! S. and Samuel Hutchinson, the latter of wliom being 
in-eempany with him at the time of his death, had the chief man- 
agement of his extensive concerns. 

Simeon Shepard married Rachel Brooks, by whom he had four 
sons and four daughters. Joshua Shepard married Lucy Farns- 
worth, by whom he had two sons and four daughters. Roswell 
Shepard died in minority. 

Absalom Kingsbury, Esq. came from Coventry, Con. to this place 
in 1771, and moved liis family the next year. He married, for his 
first wife, Rebecca Rust, by wliom he had eight sons and two daugh- 
ters. For his second wife, he married the Widow Wilson. His 
sons' names were Asa, Ebenezer, Ephraim, Obadiah, James, Elisha, 
Joshua, and Amariah. 

Asa K. studied physick with Doct. Frink, of Keene, entered the 
service of the revolutionary war, and died of a fever at New York, 
Au^- 1776, in the 24th year ot his age. 

JEhenezer died at New London, of the small pox, March, 1785. 

Lieiit. Ephraim Kingsbury, who continued on his father's farm, 
married Kezia Richardson, of Wrentham, Mass. for his first wife, 
and for hi-? second, Hatinalj f^eonard, of Carver, Mass. by whom 
he had six children, all daughters. Obadiah K. was a mill wright, 
has had three wives, and moved some time ago, to Athens, Ohio. 

James married Eunice Waldo, of this town, and moved to Cleve- 
land, Ohio, in 1796. 

Maj. Elisha K. married Phebe Beckwith, by whom he had eight 
children, of whom six were sons. 

Josliua and Amariah died in childhood. 

Absalom Kingsbury, Esq. served in this town as justice of the 
peare ; — as treasurer ; and represented the town in the state legis- 
lature. He was a professor of religion, and probably one of those, 
who were first organized into a visible church in this place. A re- 
markable providence occurred, about the year 1772, by which his 



29 

barn was nearly divided into two parts. While two men were un- 
loading grain, a violent wind, prostrating much timber, brought 
one large tree directly across the top of the barn, near the centre ; 
and breaking away the timbers before it, with a tremendous crash, 
the top fell in, not far from the men at work. But neither they 
nor the oxen were injured, although the barn was almost ruined. 

Samuel Kidder, I'homas and James were brothers, and of Eng- 
lish descent. They came from Sutton, Mass. 

Lieut. Samuel Kidder came here to work, about the year 1772, 
and moved his family in 1774. He married Mehitable Maynard, 
of Grafton, Mass. by whom he had four sons and three daughters. 
The sons' names were Amos, John, Samuel, and Maynard. Capt. 
Amos Kidder still lives in town. Lieut. S. Kidder was unfortun- 
ate in having his house burned, with nearly all its contents, about 
a year after he moved tq the place. 

Thomas Kidder moved here with his family about 1772. He 
married Phebe Axtell, by whom he had four sons and two daugh- 
ters. His son's names were Isaac, Thomas, Jason, and Eli. The 
whole family have left town. 

Lieut. James Kidder came to this place in 1780. He married 
Deborah Wood, of Upton, Mass. by whom he had four sons and 
four daughters. The sons' names were James, Chapin, Ezra, and 
Nahum. James K. jun. married Hannah Brooks, by whom he had 
seven children ; and the family live in town. Chapin is in town 
unmarried. 

Ezra Kidder, Esq. married Calista Taft of Oxbridge, Mass. by 
whom he has ten cl>ildren. He has served as a Captain of the mi- 
litia two years; has represented the town in the state legislature 
three years, and has served as justice of the peace since 1815. 

Nahum Kidder married Huldah Atwood of Nelson, and moved 
into Vermont, some time ago. 

Amos Gale came in town from Sutton, Mass. in 1772. He mar- 
ried Hannah Maynard, of Grafton, Mass. lived here a few years, 
returned to his native place, and afterwards moved to Marlow, where 
he now lives. 

John Slade, of Irish descent, came from Enfield, Con. to this 
place in the autumn of 1773. He married Widow Leason, of En- 
field, Con. by whom he had five sons and two daughters. His sons' 
names were John, VV illiam, Thomas, Daniel, and Saij:uel. John S. 
jun. moved to Brooktield, Vt. Lieut. William Slade. still living 
in town, married Anna Root, of Windsor, Con. by whom he has 
had five sons and three daughters. Samuel Slade married Hannah 
Thompson, by whom he has had three sons and five daughters. 

Elias Brown came from Stoninyton, Con. to this place, in 1773. 
He married Abigail Olcott, of Tolland, Con. by wliom he had three 
sons, and one daugiiter. The sons' names were Elias, Titus Olcott, 
and Hope. Elias 6. jun. continued in town till his death in 1813, 



30 

and the others moved out. He married Rebecca Keyes, of Ux- 

bridge, Mass. by whom he had two sons, Titus and Peter Ob ott, 
and one daughter. Elias Brown, jun. occupied tlie tiist framed 
house in town, which stood nearly half a mile west of the old meet- 
ing-house. 

Nathaniel S. Prentice came to this place with his family in Feb. 
1774, and settled near the centre of the town. He was the old- 
est son of the Rev. Solomon Prentice, the first settled Congregation- 
al minister in the town of Grafton, Mass. He was of English de- 
scent, and married Martha Howard, of Eastown, Mass. by whom he 
had four sons and three daughters. The sons' names were Oliver, 
who died young, Sartell, who is now living in Canton, N. York, Jo- 
siali, and Joshua Howard. The latlerdied young. Josiah gradu- 
ated at Dartmouth College. Immediately after leaving colhge, he 
studied theology with the Rev. Mr. Farrar, of New-Ipswich, and 
then with Doct. Emmons of Franklin. He has bee n st-ttled as a 
gospel minister, in Northwood, in this state, about twenty-seven 
years. 

Nathaniel S. Prentice is said to have been a man of good natural 
and acquired abilities. He had much influence in the town and 
was the first who represented it in 1775. at a colonial Congiess. 
He represented the town in the state legislature for many jears. 
He was appointed Major in the revolutionary struggle, to go to N. 
York, and was stationed at White Plains. He served many years 
as justice of the peace, and was appointed judge of the Inferior 
Court, in which oflice he served till seventy jears of age. He per- 
formed a large portion of publitk business in town, for a long lime. 
He early professed the Christian religion, and hopefully embraced 
the gospel at tlie age of twelve years. He served as a Deacon, a 
considerable time before his death, in the 2d Congregational Church 
in this town, and died Jan. 24th, 1815. in the 81st year of his age. 

A daughter of Judge Prentice, now the Widow Banks, who is 
still living in the place, informs the author, that she was probably 
the first lemale who taught school in town. 

Lieut. Simon Brooks came in town from Grafton, Mass. Feb. 
1774. He married Betty Maynard, by whom he had four children. 
Simon B. jun. and Maynard live in town, Gardner in Keene, and 
Elijah is a printer in Salem, N. Y. 

Josiah Cook came to this town from Coventry, Con. in 1774. 
He married Huldah Basset, for his first wife, and Lucy Demond 
for his second. He had one son and two daughters. His son, 
Capt. Josiah Cook, married Sarah Emerson, by whom he has three 
sons and two daughters. He has served as a Deacon of the first 
Congregational Church in this place for a considerable number of 
years. 

Joseph Hatch, of English descent, came from Tolland, Con. to 
this place, in 1774. He married Sarah Stearns, by whom he had 



31 

seven sons and three daughters. His sons' names were Reuben, 
Eleazer, Phinehas, Nathan, Asa, Mason, and Judah. Tapt. Reuben 
Hate h came here in September, 1779. He married Prudence Ben- 
ton, of Tolland, Con. by whom he had three sons and six daughters. 
The sons' names were Azel, Irhabod, and Reuben. Azel Hatch, 
Esq. now inherits his father's farm. He married Rhoda Williams, 
by whom he has had nine sons and three daughters. He held the 
commission of a Captain for a number of years ; has served as a jus- 
tice of the peace five years ; has represented the town in the state 
legislature four years, and is now elected again. Ichabod died 
young. Reuben H. jun. studied physick, and is now in the success- 
ful practice of medicine, in Hillsborough. 

Eleazer Hatch continued in Tolland. Phinehas came here in 
1774. He married Triphena Dilano for his first wife, and for his 
second, Keturah Brown, by whom he had two sons and one daughter. 
His sons' names are Ira and Dan. The former has moved to Ver- 
mont, and the latter now lives in town. 
Nathan Hatch did not live long in town. 

Asa married Roxana Dilano, by whom he had sixteen children. 
He moved from town; and since his first wife's death, he is marri- 
ed again, and, if correctly informed, he has six children more, mak- 
ing in all, twenty-tivo. 

Ma!-on Hatch married Submit Brooks, by whom he had five sons 
and two daughters. His son Levi now lives in town. 

Judah Hatch married Catharine Beckwith, by whom he had 
six sons (now living) and two daughters. He moved to Vermont, 
and his son Hial only remains in town. 

Lieut. Abraham Brown came from Grafton, Mass. to this place 
in 1775. He married Mary Livermore, of Watertown, Mass. by 
whom he had four sons and six daughters. The sons' names were 
Abraham, Nathaniel, Samuel, and Oliver, who came here with 
their father. 

Abraham B. jun. married Lusy Golden of Grafton, Mass. by 
whom he had six sons and five daughters. 

Nathaniel married Molly Gee, of Marlow, by whom he has had 
four sons and two daughters. He is now living; has represented 
the town in state legislature, three years, and has ofliciated as Dea- 
con of the Baptist C hurch about forty years. 

Samuel married Abigail Pike, of Grafton, by whom he had seven 
children. He moved early to the above mentioned town. Oliver 
is unmarried, now living in Surry. 

Isaac Kent, of English descent, came to this town, from Warwick, 
Mass. in 1776. He is the oldest man now living in town, being 
eighty-four years of age, and is able to attend to his farming. He 
has had four wives, Sarah Wheelock, Sarah Way, Sarah Holbrook, 
an! Rhoda Kinney. He has had six sons and three daughters. 
His sons' names were Isreal, Amariah, Benjamin, Asa, Arad, and 



32 

Stephen. All except Asa, who lives wilh his father, have died or 
left the place. 

Isaac Temple came from Winchester, to this place, in 1776. He 
married JViiss Crosslield, by whom he had twelve children. He 
served as town clerk and county crier a number of years, and died 
in 1818. 

William Simons, of English descent, came from Somers, Con. to 
this place, in 1777. He married Lois Bliss, of Monson, Mass. by 
whom he had four sons and two daughters. The sons' names were 
Josiah, Moses, William and Josiah (named after the lirst, who died 
young.) 

William S. jr. still lives in town. 

Elijah Holbrook came to this place, from Bellingham, Mass. in 
1777. He married Abigail Wilson, by whom he had lour sons and 
live f'aughters. His son Elijah died young. Capt. Francis Hol- 
brook lives in Surry. Asa died young, and Stephen lives in town, 
on the same place where his father first came. 

Dca. Nathan Fay came from V\^esthorough, Mass. to this place, 
in 1778. He married for hi? tirst wife, Persis Harrington, of VVest- 
boroujih, and for his second, Margera Newton, of Newport, by both 
of whom he had eight sons and six daughters. His sons' names 
were Jesse, Eli, Nathan, Benjamin, Hubbard Newton, Charles 
Miles and John Milton ; the three last now live in town. In the 
revolutionary war, Dea. Fay went six months as a Lieutenant, to 
Ticonderoga. He was afterwards promoted to a Captain, and was 
engaged for a while in merchandize. He served many years be- 
fore his death as a deacon of the first consjregatiunal church in this 
town, and was a fruitful christian, till his departure, in i825. 

Dea. Eli Harrington came from Westborough, Mass. about the 
year 1778. He married Susan Baker, of Bolton, Mass. and was 
without issue. He served many y* ars as Deacon in the second 
congregational church in this town; and at his death, in Novem- 
ber, 1802, he left 180 dollars to the church, with which he had 
been so long connected, as a permanent fund, the interest of which 
is t(» be appropriated annually to the support of preaching, in the 
Congregational order of Calvinistick sentiments. 

Dea. Noah Vilas, of English descent, <ame from Grafton, Mass. 
to this place, in 1779. He married Abigail Baker, of Grafton, 
by whom he had six sons and one daughter. He served as Deacon 
of the first congregational church in ihis town. His sons' names 
were Joseph, Noah, Samuel, Naihanael, Aaron, and Moses. 
Joseph died young. 

Noah Vilas, jr. married Lavina Cady, and moved to Vermont. 
Samuel married Miss Cooper, and has lived in Massachusetts 
since. 

Lieut. Nathanael Vilas, now living on his father's place, married 
Mary Chandler for his first wife, and Lavina Crosby for his second, 



33 



bv both of whom he has had eighteen children ; fourteen are now 
living. He has officiated for some time as deacon in the baptist 

^ Aaron Vilas moved early to Vermont, and is now in Canada. 
Moses also moved to Vermont. rr. „ j /- • i7fin 

Stephen Yeamans came in town, from Tolland, Con. in 17ttU. 
He married Jerusha Benton, of the same place by whom he had 
eigt.t children, four sons, whh h are all dead. He is supposed to 
ha've been the first man who taught school in town. H.s widow is 
now hving. The school was collected in the west part of the town ; 
in the part called burnt hill, on account of the early ravages of the 
fire, which caught in the woods. ' 

Thomas Wood, of English descent, came from Brookfield Mass. 
to this town, in March, 1730. He married Molly Faylor, of Hop- 
kii.-ton, Mass. by whom he had seven sons and three daughters. 
He took part in the war, at Bunker's Hill, and at White Plains 
before he came here. His sons' names were Thomas, bamuei, 
John, Benjamin, Joseph, William, and James. 

Thomas Wood, jun. and Samuel continued in Massachusetts. 
Col. John Wood married Lois Olds for his first wife, and widow 
Hutrhins for his second, by both of whom he had twelve children ; 
tl,e ydunc^est is the only son. Col. V\ood held a military commis- 
sion" twenty years. John and Bmjamin were twins. 

B.^iamin Wood married Lucy Olds, a sister to bis brother John s 
wife and after her death he married the widow Wilhs, sister to his 
Trother's second wife. He has had six sons and five daughters. 
The sons' names were Buckminster, Benjamm, James. Jesse. Jo- 
seoh and Amasa. Two of them now live in town. Jesse was a phy- 
sician in the state of New-York, and died a few years since. 

Jo eph Wood studied physh k with Doct. Wood, of Grafton Mass 
and began practice in this place about 1776, where he continued 
two or three years. . _, 

Wi'liam Wood came here about 1778, and is now in Canaan, in 

^^'jam'eTwood married Anna Holland, of Pelham, Mass. by whom 
he had tour sons and three daughters. He studied physick with 
Doct. Freeland, of Sutton, Mass. and commenced practice in Hart- 
ford Vt. hut has long since discontinued. , , ^ j 

Edmund Hale, supposed to be descended from the celebrated 
Sir Matthew Hale, of England, came from Plaistow to this place, 
ivl 1782. He marded Martha Sawyer, of Newbury, Mass. by whom 
he had three sons and four daughters. 

Joseph, his oldest son, moved to this town with his lather, tie 
married Abigail Smith, of Plaistow, by whom he had two sons and 

^'^Mo'ef Hale; Esq. married Abigail Page, of Haverhill, Mass. by 
whom he had three^sons and two dauj^hters. He r.m. v,... ^^ 

5 



34 

1774, and movecl his family in 1779. He has served as justice of 
the peace, and sealer of weii^hts and measures for the county of 
Cheshire, about thirty years; and has represented the town in state 
legislature eleven years. He did the business of a surveyoi- in 
toAvn from ihe time he came till he was rendered unable by old 
age. 

David Hale married Hannah Emerson, of Haverhill, Mass. by 
whom he had eight sons and six daughters. 

John Axtell came early to the place, from Grafton, Mass. and 
died soon after, leaving no children. 

John Thom|)son came from Grafion, Mass. to (his town, in the 
early part v. fits settUnient. Heliad four suns and two daughters. 

Samud. the oldest, is the celebrated patent doctor^ concerning 
whom so much has been said of late. 



In 1770, the town chose nine men to conduct religious worship, 
viz: Jo?eph Warner, Shut^ael Waldo, Jonathan Shepai*!, Israel 
Jones, Andrew Beckwith. Barnabris Dilano, Josiah Stephens, An- 
drew Clark, and Simon Baker. A. Beckwith and B. Dilano to read 
the psalm, and A. Clark and S. Baker, choristers; also appointed 
Josiah Stephens to procure a preacher of the gospel. 



October 11, 1773, a committee was chosen to select a suitable 
place for the meeting-house. This committee consisted of Maj. 
Benjamin Bellows, Peter Howard and VVm. Cary. The author is 
informed that they selected tlu' place nearly where the old n)eet- 
ing-house now stands, and that this was acrecable to the proposal 
and decision of Gen. Chase and other original proprietors, pnjtpos- 
ing it to be nearest the centre of the inhabitants at that time, and, 
considering the quality of the soil, that it would be likely to con- 
tinue a central place. But there was a disagreement among the 
inhabitants, and althoug!) there appears to have been an application 
to the general court, for a committee to determine tlie place; al- 
thouf^h the town appears to have voted a numlier of limes to bnUd^ 
and where to build ; yet it was not till June, 1781, that a house was 
prepared for worship; and it was erected on the hill, near the place 
where the first congregational meeting-house now stands. Previ- 
ous to its completion, it was the subject of consideration in about 
twenty town meetings, and is said to be the cause of much perma- 
nent division and discord among the people. In April, 17S6, it 
was proposed to build another meeting-house; and although it was 
not then agreed to, yet, after a large number of meetings for the 
purpose, the present meeting-house Avas built, chiefly by sale of the 



35 

pews; and dedicated October 8, 1793. Tn 1702. a proposition to 
purchase a town bell was introduced, and rejected. 



The author has taken considerable pain? to {jain information con- 
cerning the establishment oftht^ first church in (his place; but has 
not heen able to learn any thing very satisfactory. It would ap- 
pear, from the town records, that the first congr^ gational church 
was gathered and formally organized, in 1778, between the months 
of May and July. The persons who were about to enter into a 
particular covenant relation, held a fast with reference to that e- 
vent. One of the persons who then j(>ined. stales, that the meet- 
ing was holden in the barn of Capt. Oliver .Shf pard, and was con- 
ducted by the Rev. Mr. Fessenden, of Waipole ; and Mr. Tread- 
way^ who was preaching here about that time, was probahly pres- 
ent. The ministration of the ordinances was not, however, stated- 
ly enjoyed ; and it is said, that th(> first time the sacrament of the 
Lord's supper was administered to the newly organized church, was 
by Rev. Mr. Hall, of Keene, the sabhath next after the drnk day. 
There can be no doul>t, however, that the church was originally 
formed on strict congregational, caivinistick principles. This ap- 
pears evident, from all the circumstances, and front what their first 
settled minister has slated to the writer of these sketches; although 
no records of consequence are to be found prior to Mr. Mead's or- 
dination. 

7'he platform of the church hf»s always been considered in the 
light above mentioned, and all her settled ministers have been or- 
dained on that gromid. Whatever defection there may liave h<»en 
with the ministers after they were settled, or with intUviriual mem- 
bers; whatever influence may have been exerted against her spir- 
itual welfare, by a want of piety, and by the preaching of those 
doctrines which tend to turn the grace, of God into lascivionsness, it 
is evident she kept the faith once delivered to the saints, as far as 
could have been expected, under such trying circumstances, al- 
though there were some thinss not to he pra>se>J. Since the author 
came to this place, he has taken considerable pains, by ( onversing 
with the most active and influential members of the church, to learn 
their views; and especially with the widow Thankful Shepard, a 
short time before her death. And although they held to the doc- 
trines of grace, of the reformation, or as some term them, Caivinis- 
tick;* yet there has been a uniform opinion among them, that 
they ought to hold visible fellowship with all who give satisfactory 

*For a summary of their pjeneral views of scripture doctrine, the reader 
is referred to the confession of faith, adopted by the Monadnock Association, 
which was also adopted by this church a number of years since. 



36 

evidence of vital piety. This is evinced by the cheerfulness with 
which they have received those who differed from the body of the 
church in non-essentials, or external rites. Although tlie rules of 
the church may have been considered rigid by some, and lax by 
others; yet no church is known to the writer that takes more of a 
medium course, in consistency with the strictness of the gospel re- 
quisitions and the present state of community. 

While the church considers it necessary to gain evidence of vi- 
tal godliness by the experimental exercises of the mind; bv (he ex- 
ternal conduct, and the system believed, in order to extend llie 
hand of christian fellowship, she cheeifuMy grants the same liberty 
lo others ; and there is do other ground on which the true princi- 
ples of christian liberty can be built. While s<vme may think m ue 
favourably of christian character, from the same evu'ence. and 
others less favourably, she allows all the proper riglits of conscieiu e ; 
a freedom to judge and act for themselves, and endeavours to (Jo 
by others as she would that they should do by her, under like cir- 
cumstances. None are denied a union with her visible body and 
the privileges of the same, if they give sati^fa* tory eviden<'e of be- 
ing real christians. Yet it is supposed, that the verv principles of 
all organized bodies imply, that those joining, who difTci in the ex- 
ternals, or visible church form, will not counteract the general 
views of the body, understood at the time of joining. F>r a house 
divided against itself cannot stand. When a foreigner enters within 
the limits of our government, he enjoys its privileges; and \i\ re- 
turn he must conform to our laws, and is expected to clierish our 
particular interest, our honour, influence and power among otlier 
nations, instead of counteracting them. 



It appears from the records, that the town hired Mr. James 
Treadway in 1773; and he received an invitation to settle, either 
the same year, or the year following. Yet his answer evidently 
implies, that in case of his compliance, a church was to be previ- 
ously formed, in order to proceed in a regular manner. Accord- 
ingly, we find an union of the church and town in giving him a 
call in 1778. The first council that met for Mr. Treadwa>'s ordi- 
nation, did nothing, on account of some irregular proceedings. In 
September of the same year, the council met again ; but did not 
think it expedient to ordain him, because there were only seven 
majority in his favour, and twenty-six remonstrated against his set- 
tlement. 

Previous to this time, during the absence of Mr. Treadwav, in 
1776, a man by the name of Smith was employed to preach for a 
while; and in 1777, another by the name of Brett, received a call 
to settle, but gave a negative answer. Mr. Brett was oflfered the 



37 

rieht of land, thirty-five pounds settlement and forty pounds salary, 
to increase ten pounds a year, till it should become sixty. 

In 1779, Mr. Kindal preached in the place a number of sabbaths. 
In 1780, the late Dr. Payson, of Rindge, preached here as a can- 
didate. Mr. Goddard also preached here the same year. 

In 1781, Mr. Jacob Mann received a call to settle, with an offer 
of the right of land and thirty-five pounds settlement, and sixty 
pounds salary, to be increased ten pounds at the end of seven years, 
and to continue increasing ten pounds for every seven years after- 
wards. He was ordained in February, 1782, and the town voted 
his dismission in April, 1788. But the connexion was not dissolv- 
ed by a regular council till May, 1789. Supposing Mr. Mann's la- 
bours closed in 1788, the town voted to employ Mr. Benjamin 
Stone, as a candidate. 

In 1789, Messrs. Cornwall and Lazel preached in town. 

In September, 1790, the town voted to unite with the church in 
giving Mr. Samuel Mead a call to settle over them in the ministry, 
with the offer of two hundred pounds settlement, and seventy-five 
pounds salary. The salary was afterwards raised to eighty pounds. 
He was ordained in June, 1 791. But a number of the people soon 
became dissatisfied, and he was dismissed, Aug. 28, 1797. 

In February, 1798, and the beginning of 1799, John Stoddard, 
Silas Warren, John Sabins, Josiah Prentice, and Archibald Camp- 
bell, were employed as preachers. In February, 1799, the town 
voted to hire Rev. A. Campbell one year ; and after the close of his 
labours, Mr. Stone and Mr. Eels were employed. 

In June. 1811, Rev. Shipley Wells began to preach for this church 
and Society, and continued his labours more than a year. Other 
ministers were employed, at different times, for short periods each, 
whose names are unknown to the author. 

H 

The second congregational society was incorporated June 18, 
1795, and consisted, at first, of seventeen members. This church 
and society, under the faithful and persevering labours of their pas- 
tor, gained strength for a considerable time. They continued in 
good harmony, till he left them, in June, 1823; and, it is believed, 
that the pure seed which he has sown will not be lost on the rising 
age. A considerable number of those who originally constituted 
the second church, withdrew from the first church, on account of 
being dissatisfied with the minister or ministers employed, who 
were thought by many not to have been truly pious. It is to be 
hoped, however, that this cause will never again exist to distract 
and injure the town, if it ever did. The east part of the town em- 
ployed a preacher sometime before they became a distinct parish, 
which took place by consent of the town, in November, 1793. — 



38 

The east parish meeting-house was built by sale of the pews, and 
was dedicated September 9, 1798. The sermon was delivered by 
the Rev. Levi Lankton, 1 Chron. xxix, 14. The number which 
liave united with the second church, is 118; 214 have been bap- 
tized, and, according to Mr. Lankton's record, 197 have died, be- 
longing to the society. 



The baptist church was formed from the baptist church in Mar- 
low. It consisted, at first, of eight male members, and seven female. 
The Rev. Eleazer Beckwith, Elder at Marlow, was chosen moder- 
ator, and Moses Hale, Esq. clerk. June 28. 1792, the church gave 
Mr. Abel Wood a call to settle over them, with the offer of seventy- 
five pounds settlement ; but he gave a negative answer. After Mr. 
Wood had preached here awhile, the Rev. Jeremiah Higbee came ; 
and he received a call to settle, August 16, 1793, with the offer'of 
eighty-five pounds settlement, and thirty pounds salary the first year. 
He WPS ordained, May 29th of the next year, at the congregational 
meeting-house. The baptist meeting-houso was built in 1802, and 
the land on which it stands, was given to the church, by Capt. Ol- 
iver Shepajd. 



This society has had no settled minister; but has had preaching 
by different ministers, some portion of the time annually, unless we 
except the present year (1826.) 

K 

The unsettled state of this church, and the disappointments and 
discouragements, which had been long experienced, had produced 
some diversity of opinion, and made a general impression, that lit- 
tle could be done with effect. While she was destitute of a pastor, 
subject to be bewildered by divers teachers, and suffering under the 
neglect of discipline, '^e other churches were favoured with the 
stated ministrations of the gospel, by pastors greatly respected and 
beloved. 



For a number of years, the author's family was visited with much 
distressing sickness, and received every attention that could be use- 
ful, from friends and a kind people. And, when they consider the 
great trials and difticullies that have transpired, they will doubtless 
overlook any imperfections, or errours, which may have been ob- 



39 

served ; and pray for more wisdom, grace, firmness and fidelity to 
the souls of men. The ladies, by their generous contribution, have, 
sometime since, made their pastor a life-member of the American 
Bible Society, and also of the American Tract Society. 

va 

After the writer of these sketches had been in town awhile, it 
was thought best to make an attempt to settle a minister. Some- 
thing was said to him on the subject b}' leading men of the church 
and society. He consulted with his friends ; and as real estate, 
and all articles of living were then high, it was thought that an an- 
nual salary of $500 would be no more than a reasonable and neces- 
sary support. But this was supposed to be more than so small a 
society would continue to raise, especially, if money should become 
more scarce and valuable. Therefore, it was thought best to pro- 
vide a settlement by an immediate effort, and reduce the salary to 
$4"0, which would be likely to correspond with the times, when ar- 
ticles of living should be lower. Accordingly, a subscription for 
settlement was opened, and about ^700 were shortly raised. Of 
this sum, Maj. Samuel Hutchinson gave $200, widow Thankful 
Shepard $100, James H. Bingham, Esq. Dea. Josiah Cook and 
Lieut. Ephraim Kingsbury, $50 each, and a number of others sub- 
scribed liberally, according to their ability. 

In addition to this, to aid in the payment of the salarj', Joseph 
Harding and widow Thankful Shepard, members of the church, 
and Maj. S. Hutchinson, whose views were decidedly with theirs 
as to religious matters, (in respect to the congregational order and 
sentiments) gave encouragement of something, as a permanent fund. 
Mr. Harding gave his note for $100, to pay the interest annuallj^, 
besides his tax as a member of the society. Maj. Hutchinson and 
Mrs. Shepard gave encouragement of leaving by will $1000 each, 
as a permanent fund, and also to pay $50 each annually, while they 
should live, instead of their annual tax as members of the society. 
This was done on the supposition that $50 each would be more en- 
couragement than their annual tax ; .not on the ground of relieving 
them from the burden of an equal taxation ; for this, they were 
sensible, would be a dangerous principle to introduce into the soci- 
ety, which would either reduce all the taxes to a mere voluntary 
subscription, or produce general dissatisfaction. 

After the ordination of the present minister, the fall of property 
and other circumstances, rendered it somewhat difficult to pay his 
salary as it became due. In consequence of this, he has, by the 
consent of his people, spent a (ew sabbaths annually, for a number 
of years, in the neighbouring societies, that were destitute. The 
last year, however, as the east parish requested his labours, one 
quarter of the time, the society, according to his proposals, agreed 



40 

to pay him what was already due; to increase the permanent fund 
^1000, and to pay him annually |380 for three fourths of the time. 
A suoscription was opened in May, 1825, for the increase of the 
fund, and |1048 were subscribed.* 

N 

Those who united with the church a little previous to the settle- 
ment of the present minister, were chiefly the fruits of the revival 
in 1815, and a considerable number also united with the baptist 
church. There has been unusual attention to religion in some por- 
tions of the town in 1788, 1798, 1808, 18-5 and 1819. In 1788, 
the revival was general throughout town, and a considerable large 
number, in proportion to the inhabitants, w<re the subjects of it. 
In 1808 the revival was considerably tjeneral in the east and north 
sections of the town ; but the other seasons of refreshing were more 
limited, being confined chiefly to a few districts. 



From the town record, it appears that all the marriages which 
have been eolemnized in town, are 460. 



With the exception of a few seasons, usual health has generally 
prevailed in town. In 1804 and '5, the small pox spread to a con- 
siderable extent, and proved mortal in three or four instances. It 
was introduced into the place by a yowng man from Canada, and 
taken first by Oliver Shepard, jun. In the course of a year, three 
houses were prepared to receive those who had been exposed, or 
wished to be inocculated. 

In 181 2 and 14, the spotted fever made its appearance in the place, 
and spread terror and anxiety among the inhabitants. Its ravigcs 
were alarming, and filled every heart with dismay. The disease 
was uncommon, and the subjects of it were suddenly attacked, great- 
ly distressed, and soon called from time to eternity. At first, the 
physicians were unacquainted with it, and generally had but little 
time to make any application. Some families were almost entirely 
cut ofT. Mr. Gary was bereft of his wife and all his children, four 
or five in number, in a very short time. Mr. Sylvester Partridge 
had four children carried from his house to the grave in one day. 
About 90 deaths were occasioned by this disease, in the two }ears 
above mentioned. And the same epidemirk extended into the 
neighbouring towns. In 1813, a malignant fevtr also prevailed, 

*See close of appendix. 



41 

which swept off 16 persons, besides those that died with other com- 
plaiots, 

9 

Since this sermon was delivered, the author has endeavoured to 
collect some information concerning distinguished and professional 
men, who have resided in this town.* 

•R 

The Alstead Academy was incorporated July, 1819. The first 
preceptor was Ebenezer C. Tracy, a graduate ^^^o'" ^^a'-tmout^^ 
CoUeee. He continued the preceptor for a few months, in the tali 
of 1819 The author of these sketches was employed to take 
charge of it the season following ; those who succeeded, were Levi 
Smith, who taught two seasons, Charles Walker and Thomas G. 
Fletcher, one slason each, (the three last of whom were graduatee 
from Dartmouth College) and Ira Hatch, a member of Union Col- 
lege, one season before the present. 

s 

The Library in the centre of the town was incorporated in No- 
vember, 1798, and that in the east parish in 1804; and they now 
contain about 300 volumes. 

The sabbath school library was established in 1824, and now 
contains about a hundred interesting and useful books. 1 here is 
also a sabbath school library established in the east parish. 

u 

In consequence of that stability and conscientious attachment to 
the cause of sacred musick, which is always commendable and ne- 
cessary in leading men, for persevering usefulness, the church and 
society have been highly faroured. Perhaps no town in the vicm- 
ity has enjoyed a greater privilege in this respect. 

I 

There is a Female Cent Society in the East Parish, which was 
formed in 1812, and has contributed $217 62. There is also one 
at the PaDer-MHl Village, formed Oct. 1824. 

There is ako a Jews' Society, auxiliary to the American Society 
for ameliorating the condition of the Jews, formed in 182o; but 

♦See pace 43, and close of the appendi.v. 

6 



42 

limbracing one for a similar purpose, previously existing. Tliis 
Society now raises about 20 dollars annually. 

St. Paul's Lodge is located in this town. It was installed in 
February, 1819, and the number of members belonging to it is about 
fifty. 



DISTINGUISHED MEN. 

Among the distinguished men in town, perhaps few have been 
more respected and useful, than Col. Cyrus Kingsbury. He came 
from Worcester, Mass. to tliis place, in 1785. He married Annas 
S. Taynter, for his first wife, and Philete Partridge for his second ; 
by both of whom, he had five sons and one daughter. He lived 
with his first wife aboiit one year only, when she died and left Cy- 
rus, Jun. an infant of a few weeks old. The child was a cripple 
from his birth. This, with his feeble health, as he advanced in 
years, rendered it altogether improbable that he would ever be 
able to support himself, or be useful to mankind. Therefore, it 
was the general opinion, and fully expressed by those who had the 
care of him, that it would have been a blessing, had he been taken 
away with his mother. But, (he Lord^s ways are not as our ways, nor 
his thoughts as our thoughts. He was committed to the charge of 
an uncle, who otTered to aid him in acquiring a liberal education. 
This he declined, however, at that time, and chose the trade of a 
cabinet-maker, as more congenial to his health and constitution, 
than farming. He was accordingly placed under a suitable mas- 
ter in Med way, Mass. There he continued, as a faithful apprentice, 
till he was nearly twenty-one years of age, when he commenced 
that course of study, which prepared him for the work of a distin- 
guished missionary of the Cross, and, under the overruling hand of 
Providence, led him forth to that extensive field of our western 
Indians which has, witliin a few years, been occupied and greatly 
improved. He was led to serious consideration, by a mysterious 
providence, when about nineteen years of age ; and hopefully em- 
braced the gospel not far from that time. He was mowing with 
some other persons, when they threvkf down their scythes to pursue 
a rabbit that ran across the field. As they returned, he accident- 
ally stepped on the snathe, which threw the point of the scythe 
against him, and cut the flesh of the thigh in a most alarming man- 
ner, just below the large blood vessel. But by the aid of two sur- 
geons, who were then providentially passing, the blood was stop- 
ped and his life preserved. This was a loud call, and the warning 
voice was heard. After a season of anxious solicitude, he found 



4S 

the Saviour to be precious. His mind was afterwards led to the 
work of the gospel ministry. He obtained liberty of his master, 
six months before the term of his apprenticeship expired, to com- 
mence study, with reference to the object in view. He graduated 
at Brown University, Rhode Island, studied Theology at the Ando- 
ver Theological Seminary, and commenced his mission among the 
Aborigines of the West, in 1816. 

By his indefatigable labours, after communicating with a council 
of Chiefs, with the board that sent him, and with the Heads of De- 
partment at Washington, he was enabled to establish the flourish- 
ing station among the Cherokees, since called Brainard. He then 
proceeded to the^Chocktaw nation, and in 1818 established another 
missionary station, called Elliot. And in February, 1820, he com- 
menced another establishment among the same peo^)le, called May- 
hew, where he still resides, with the prospect of much success. 
He is accounted one of the most devoted and useful missionaries 

of our day. • j ui 

Col. Kingsbury held a military commission for a considerable 
time. He represented the town in state legislature a number of 
years; and served as a Deacon of the Baptist Church many years, 
before he left the place. In the vigour of life, and ardently seek- 
in^ a greater field of usefulness, he sold his farm in this town, and 
wilh his family moved to the westward, in 1814. He went to 
Bloomfield, N. Y. and before he was again settled, he was taken 
sick and died. The family, borne down with this distressing af- 
fliction, soon returned to Alstead, where tney still remain. 

Salma Hale, son of David Hale, commenced Editor of a news- 
paper in Walpole, at the age of 19 years ; afterwards read law with 
judge Vose, and moved to Keene. He was chosen clerk of the 
County Court, and has represented the town of Keene in the state 
legislature. He was a Senator of the state in 1824, and has been 
representative in the Congress of the United States. He was also 
appointed Secretary to the Commissioners for settling the bounda- 
ries between the United States and the British provinces. As an 
author, though still young, he has written a history of the United 
States, for which he has been awarded, by the American Academy 
of Languages and Belles Lettres, the sum of $400, and a gold med- 
al of the value of 50 dollars. 

Titus Brown, the son of Elias Brown, has not only been a mem- 
ber of the state legislature from Francestown, where he is settled 
in the practice of law, but is now a representative in the Congress 
of the United States. tt . i.- 

Mai. Samuel Hutchinson was son of the Rev. Elisha Hutchin- 
son of Newport. He became the adopted son of General Amos 
Shepard, at the age of fourteen years, and continued a faithlu! and 
dutiful child, till he commenced partnership with the General, in 
the mercantile business. By his honesty, diligence, amiable and 



44 

correct deportment; and especially by his publick spirit and gener- 
al benevolence, he merited and secured the good will of all with 
whom he was acquainted. He died May 14, 1819, at the age of 
thirty-nine, in the midst of his usefulness, leaving a widow, four 
sons, and three daughters, to mourn their loss. His death was 
generally felt and lamented. He had accumulated a large proper- 
ty ; and was not only left the Executor of Gen. Shepard's last will 
and testament ; but also of that of his aunt, the widow Shepard, 
who died June 7th, 1817.* He appointed James H. Bingham, 
Esq. Executor of his will ; and at his death, the settlement and re- 
sponsibility of the whole concern devolved upon Mr. Bingham. 

Since these sketches were commenced, Mr. Bingham has been 
invited from his professional business in this town, to another field 
of employment ; and he is succeeded in the practice of law by his 
brother, Elijah Bingham. 

It is just to observe, that during the 22 years of his residence in 
town, he has been a respected and useful citizen, and a firm sup- 
porter of good morals and religious order. He has been account- 
ed just and honourable in his profession, accurate in business, and 
of a sound, discriminating judgment. He has represented the town 
in the state legislature, and served as Senator of State, a number 
of years. He has exerted a salutary influence upon community, 
and shared largely in their confidence. 

*Widow of Gen. Shepard. 



45. 



OTHER THINGS WORTHY OF NOTICE. 

MILLS. 

The first grist-mill in town was built by Capt. Timothy Dilan©, 
on the outlet of Warren's pond. From the best information obtain- 
ed, it was built not far from the year 1769, though perhaps a year 
or two earlier. 

The first saw-mill was built by Gen. Jonathan Chase, about the 
time of the grist-mill above mentioned, on a small stream passing 
a few rods west of the first Congregational meeting-house. 

The first fulling-mill was built by Simon Abells and Daniel Will- 
iams, on a small stream that intersects the road leading from the 
middle of the town to the paper-mill. It was built not far from 
the head of the falls southeast of Mr. Kittridge"'s stone factory. 
The stone factory was built about the year I8i2. 

The first cider-mill was built by Capt. Oliver Shepard ; who also 
made the first cider in town. Great care was take by him, and by 
most of the first settlers, to provide orchards. 

The first paper-mill in town was built on Cold River, in 1793, 
by Maj. Elisha Kingsbury. It was burnt in the Spring of 1806; 
and the present paper-mill was erected the summer following. 

An oil-mill was built by Maj. E. and Lieut. E. Kingsbury, in 
1792, near the place of the first fulling mill. It was afterwards 
moved on to Cold River, and swept away by an uncommon rise of 
water. 

In 1817, a cotton factory was established on the outlet of War- 
ren's pond, by Mr. Abel Hills, which continued by a few years. 
And a carding machine was also put into operation near the same 
place, in 1305, by Capt. Levi Warren, which still continues. 

A woolen factory was likewise erected by Ezra Kidder, Esq. on 
the same stream, a little below, in 1824.* 

The first company of militia in town was formed in 1773. Tim- 
othy Dilano was chosen captain, Samuel Chandler lieutenant, and 
Jason Wait, ensign. At present there are three companies of mi- 
litia in town, one of which is an artillery company. This was 
formed from a company of light infantry, which was originally 
organized under Elijah Holbrook, as the first captain. 

It is worthy of notice, that a spirit of independence, and much 
decision of political character prevailed among the first settlers of 
this town, when the Revolutionary war commenced. In that time 
of doubt and peril ; when it was so difiicult to know what was ex- 

*The reader is referred to the New-Hampshire Gazettcer,^ for a more particular 
account of mills. 



pedient, and what would be the result of so great an attempt ; 
when the friends of liberty might hesitate througi: ignorance or 
prudence, and shrink from the danger, tl.ere was but one man in 
the place, who adhered to the cause of Great Britain ; and a com- 
mittee was appointed by the town to deprive him of tire-arms, and 
to confine him to his farm; which duty they thoroughly perform- 
ed. There was, however, an unhappy divif«ion in town, before the 
boundaries between Vermont and New-Hampshire were establish- 
ed. After much warmth of feeling, and general agitation, the 
town began to transact business under the state of Vermont, in 
April, 1781, but returned to the authority of New-Hampshire in 
January, 17S2. 

In 1786, the questions were agitated in town meeting, whether 
this town would give encouragement to the county for becoming a 
shire? And whether an agent should be chosen to petition the 
General Court for the same ? They passed in the negative. The 
town voted, however, in 1802, to build a Court-house and jail, on 
condition that this be a shire town, and that the town have the 
county property in Charlestown and Keene. 

In comparison with the present annual expenses of the town, it 
may be interesting to see the following vote on the town record. 
March, 1771 : town voted to raise three pounds, lawful money, to 
defray town charges, and purchase a Colony Law Book. 



A Catalogue of Professional Men, exhibiting the place of their nativity, 
(P. N.) the institution in which they were educated, (In.) the time of 
coming to town, (T. C.) and the time when they left or died. 

MINISTERS. p. N. 11^. f • C. DIED OR LEFT. 

Jacob Mann, Wrentham, Ms. Harv. U. 1781. Died Apr. 18, 

-Samuel Mead, Harvard, Ms. Harv. U. 1790. [1826. 

Levi Lankton, Southington, Con. Yale Col. 1789. Left in 1823. 

•Jeremiah Higbee, Middletown, Con. 1794. 

Seth S. Aamold, Westminster, Ft. Mid. Col. 1815. 

LAWYERS. 

Samuel Hunt, Charlestown, Dart. Col. 

John C. Chamberlain, Worcester, Ms. Harv. U. 1795. Left m 1805. 

James H. Bingham, Lempster, Dart. Col. 1804. Left m 1826. 

Elijah Bingham, Lempster, Dart. Col. 1826. 

PHYSICIANS. . 

Joseph Wood, Grafton, Mass. 1776. Left m 1778. 

Daniel Perrin, Woodstock, Con. 1783. Died m 1800. 

Abner Bliss, Tolland, Con. 1800. Died m 1312. 

. ■ Goodhue, 

Stanley, 



Eber Carpenter, Coventy, Con. 1802. 



47 



PHYSICIANS. 

Thomas D. Brooks, 
Ah'ier Bliss, jr. 
Asa Rider, 
EUsha Hatch, 



p. N. 

Grafton, Mass. 
Jilsiead. 

Alstead. 



T. c. 
1804. 



Died in 18i26. 



{Here but a short time,) Died in 18*0. 
1825. 



PERSONS BELONGING TO THIS TOWN, WHO HAVE RECEIVED A LIBERAL 

EDUCATION. 



Josi .h Prentice, 
Stephen Grant, 
Calvin Waldo, 
Edmund Wellington, 
Thomas Rand, 
Titus Br'>wn, 
Cyrus Kingsbury, 
Thomas F. Fletcher, 
Sanon Fletcher, 



WHERE 
EDUCATKD. 

Dart. Col. 
Dart. Col. 
Dart. Col. 
Dart. Col. 
Brown Uni, 
Mid. Col. 
Brown Uni. 
Dart. Col. 
Colum. Col 



WaEW WHAT WHEftfi 

GRADUATED. PRO! E SIGN SETTLED. 

1795. Cong. Minister. iVorA<«?oo</. 

1800. Lawyer. Plymouth. 

1785. Lawyer. [Dead.] 

1811. Cong. Minister. 

B. Minster. IV. Springfld. 

1811. Lawyer. Francestown. 

1812. Cong. Minister, May hew, Choc- 
1824. Reading Law. [taw nation. 

B. Minister. 



PERSONS NOW IN COLLEGE. 



Ira Hatch, 
Enoch Hale, 
Benaiah Cook, 



Union College. 
Vermont Uni. 
Vermont Uni. 



PERSONS WHO HAVE STUDIED THEOLOGY IN TOWN. 



NAMES. 

Edmund Wellington, 
Joel R. Arnold, 



P.N. WITH WHOM. 

Jilstead, S. S. Arnold, 

Westminster, S. S. Arnold, 



WHERE SET'LD, 



Chester. 



PERSONS WHO HAVE STUDIED LAW IN TOWN. 



Henry Chamberlain, 
Henry Fare ■veil, 
J::e|>h H. El'Ls, 
Ltuher Chapman, 
tDavid Hale, jr. 
Titus Brown, 
Elijah tangham, 
Silas Robbins,jr. 



Worcester, Mass. 



Jlhtead, 
Mstead, 
Lempster, 
Alstead, 



J. C. Chamberlain. 

J. C. Chomberlain. 

J. C. CRamberlain. 

J. C. Chamberlain, Fitzvnlliam. 

J. H. Bingham, Newport. 



J. H. Bingham, 
J. H. Bingham, 
J. H. Binffham. 



Francesinwn ■ 
Ahi^ad. 



*Takpn from hi? hhonr=. bv ill hpalth. tX)»»a<L 



48 



PERSONS WHO HAVE STUDIED PHYSICK IN TOWN. 



NAMES. P.N. WITH WHOM, 

Abiathur Waldo, Alstead, E. Carpenter, 

John Angier, Fitzwilliam, E. Carpenter, 

Reuben Hatch, Mstead, E. Carpenter, 
WaitstillJohnson, Moretown,N.Y. E. Carpenter, 

James Spa ul ding, E. Carpenter, 

Charles Pinny, E. Carpenter, 

Winslow Emery, Jllstead, E. Carpenter, 

Hervey Carpenter, ^/s/eoc?, E. Carpenter, 

Abner Bliss, jr. Mstead, A. Bliss, 



WHERE SETTLED. 

Williamstown, Vt. 

Plainfield. 

Hillsborough. 

Mor.tpelier, Vt. 
New-London. 
Plymoulh, Vt. 

Jilstead. 



OTHER PERSONS BELONGING TO THIS TOWN, WHO HAVE ENTERED THE 
DIFFERENT PROFESSIONS. 



"Jesse Wood, 
fAsa Kingsbury, 
Samuel Waldo, 
Geo. M. Smith, 
Thomas Baker, 
Paschal Brooks, 



Physician, 
Physician, 
B. Minister, 
Physician, 
B. Minister, 
Physician, 



Doct. Frink, of Kcene, 

Doct, Twitchell, of Keene, 

Elder Blood, Bloomfield, N. ¥. 

Doct. Twitchell, Henniker. 



LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS TO THE PERMANENT FUND. 



James H. Bingham, Esq. 
Widow Hannah Hutchinson 
Miss Thankful C. Hutchinson 
Miss Hannah E. Hutchinson 
Mr. Amos S. Hutchinson 
Azel Hatch, Esq. 
Lieut. Ephraim Kingsbury . 
Maj. Willard Fairbanks . 
Mr. William Lamphier 
Mr. Sylvester Partridge 
Messrs. Newton & Tufts 
Dea. Richard Beckwith 
Dea. Josiah Cook . > 

Mr. John Cook . 
Miss Sally Brown 
Capt. Hazen Emerson 
Mr. Dan Hatch 
Capt. Theron Partridge 
Capt. Asa Wentworth, jr. 
Rev. Seth S. Arnold 
Mr. Joseph Kingsbury 



$200 
200 
. 50 

50 
. 50 

50 
. 50 

50 
. 50 

50 
. 50 

40 
. 30 

10 
. 10 

10 
. 10 

10 
. 25 

30 

. m 



*Dead. tDied, 1776. 



